VW reveals new Jetta, but it’s not for SA

Detroit - This is the all-new, seventh-generation Jetta but don’t get too attached to it because it’s not coming to South Africa - reportedly due to the fact that there won’t be a right-hand-drive version.

Underneath the Americanised styling sits VW’s MQB modular platform, and the new Jetta has grown in every dimension, with the wheelbase also expanding 33mm to improve cabin space.

The US-spec version that was revealed at the Detroit Motor Show on Monday will only be available with one engine option, this being the familiar 1.4 TSI turbopetrol, rated at 110kW and mated to either a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission.

The cabin undergoes the same digital revolution as other recent VWs, with a digital instrument cluster featuring on upper models, along with a 400-watt BeatsAudio system and 10-colour wraparound ambient lighting.

Driver assistance features include Adaptive Cruise Control with stop and go traffic assist, Rear Traffic Alert, High Beam Control and Lane Assist.

Although the new Jetta won’t be heading our way, it is possible that VWSA will bring in the new Vitrus to fill its shoes to some degree. Although it is essentially a Polo sedan, the new four-door does appear larger and more upmarket than the current Polo sedan, meaning it could straddle both segments if need be.